Snapchat’s New Bob Marley Lens Sparks ‘Blackface’ Outrage

Snapchat thought it had found a way to have a little fun on Wednesday, April 20, with a Bob Marley themed graphic. But the company went a little too far, according to irate users online.

To acknowledge 4/20, known as “Weed Day,” Snapchat created a special “lens” that morphed people’s faces into Bob Marley, the late reggae icon.

The lens added dreadlocks, a crochet slouch cap, changed the shape of eyes and noses, and darkened skin color.

People flooded Twitter with accusations that Snapchat had created a blackface filter.

Snapchat hasn’t addressed the controversy and said in a statement to CNNMoney that the lens was built “in partnership with the Bob Marley Estate.”

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